HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 c355
41. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received the proposals for the closer association of the United Kingdom with the European Coal and Steel Authority prepared by the committee under the chairmanship of M. Monnet.

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir.

Mrs. White

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that we shall not enter into further commitments relating to the very important industries of coal and steel without having a full discussion in the House?

Mr. Nutting

I cannot give such an assurance, but, of course, we have not yet received M. Monnet's proposals and we should like to study them first.

Mr. Bottomley

Has this matter been held up by Her Majesty's Government, or are other Powers responsible for the delay?

Mr. Nutting

So far as I know, there has been no delay. M. Monnet has told us that he will shortly be sending us some proposals. We hope to get them fairly soon.